Educators Embark on Learning Adventure with Space Discovery Institute

06/12/2008

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Jun. 13, 2008) -- The Space Foundation's Space Discovery Institute is set to begin June 16. This engaging program is comprised of five intensive, week-long, graduate-level, in-residence courses in Colorado Springs, Colo. These interactive, hands-on courses utilize proven teaching strategies designed to provide educators with experience, knowledge, and content that is instantly transferable into the classroom.

Previously known as the Summer Institute, the Space Discovery Institute recently expanded its program to school districts in other areas of the United States. Classes are open to PreK - 12 educators. More than 150 educators from across the country will participate in the Colorado Springs classes this summer.

The 2008 Space Discovery Institute courses include "Rocketry and the Biology of Living in Space: Living Aboard the International Space Station," "Biological and Physical Research: Long Term Space Travel," "Astronomy Principles for the Classroom: Kinesthetic Astronomy," "Space Technologies in the Classroom: Imagery and High-Tech Science," and "Earth Systems Science: Our Earth Revealed." These courses provide educators with the skills and techniques to capture the imagination and interest of their students using space to inspire, enable, and propel them to study the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines.

In addition to gaining invaluable experience and increasing their knowledge base, participating teachers can earn continuing education credits or work toward a master's degree with a space studies science emphasis. Through the Space Foundation's education partners, Institute participants can earn a Master of Education, emphasis in space science education leadership, through Regis University, School for Professional Studies, or earn a Master of Education in science education or curriculum and instruction with a space studies emphasis from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, College of Education Curriculum and Instruction.

For additional information about Space Foundation education programs or to register for the Space Discovery Institute, visit www.SpaceFoundation.org/education. About the Space Foundation Founded in 1983 and celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the Space Foundation is an international nonprofit organization advancing space-related endeavors to inspire, enable, and propel humanity. A leader in space awareness activities, major industry events, and educational enterprises that bring space into the classroom, the Space Foundation is headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo. It conducts research and analysis and government affairs activities from its Washington, D.C., office and has field representatives in Houston, Texas, and Cape Canaveral, Fla. Along with partnering organizations, the Space Foundation conducts Strategic Space and Defense 2008, from 6-8 October in Omaha, Neb. The 25th National Space Symposium, the premier annual gathering of the global space community, will take place March 30 -- April 2, 2009, at The Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs. For more information, visit www.SpaceFoundation.org.